Virtualized data storage vaults on a dispersed data storage network

Abstract

A slice server includes a network port, a central processing unit, and memory. The central processing unit (CPU) is operable to receive, via the network port, a request to access a virtual digital data storage vault. The CPU then determines whether the slice server supports the virtual digital data storage vault. When the slice server supports the virtual digital data storage vault, the CPU determines whether the request is valid. When the request is valid, the CPU executes the request to generate a response.

1. A slice server comprises:
 a network port operable for coupling to a network; 
 a central processing unit operably coupled to the network port; and 
 memory operably coupled to the central processing unit, wherein the central processing unit functions to:
 receive, via the network port, a request to access a virtual digital data storage vault; 
 determine whether the virtual digital data storage vault is supported by the slice server; 
 when the virtual digital data storage vault is supported by the slice server, determine whether the request is valid; and 
 when the request is valid, execute the request to generate a response. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The slice server of  claim 1 , wherein the central processing unit further functions to determine whether the request is valid by:
 accessing a first vault data structure when the request corresponds to accessing a first virtual digital data storage vault, wherein the first vault data structure includes first user account information; and 
 accessing a second vault data structure when the request corresponds to accessing a second virtual digital data storage vault, wherein the second vault data structure includes second user account information. 
 
     
     
       3. The slice server of  claim 1 , wherein the central processing unit further functions to determine whether the request is valid by:
 validating a user account identified in the request; and 
 when the user account is valid, validating the request based on permissions associated with the user account. 
 
     
     
       4. The slice server of  claim 1 , wherein the central processing unit further functions to determine whether the virtual digital data storage vault is supported by the slice server by:
 accessing a list of virtual digital data storage vaults; and 
 determining whether the virtual digital data storage vault is on the list. 
 
     
     
       5. The slice server of  claim 1 , wherein the central processing unit further functions to:
 generate an error when the virtual digital data storage vault is not supported by the slice server or when the request is invalid. 
 
     
     
       6. The slice server of  claim 1  further functions to:
 store a slice of a first data segment in a first section of a corresponding portion of a first supported virtual digital data storage vault; 
 store a slice of a second data segment in a second section of the corresponding portion of the first supported virtual digital data storage vault; 
 store a slice of a third data segment in a first section of a corresponding portion of a second supported virtual digital data storage vault; and 
 store a slice of a fourth data segment in a second section of the corresponding portion of the second supported virtual digital data storage vault. 
 
     
     
       7. The slice server of  claim 1 , wherein the central processing unit further functions to execute the request to generate a response by at least one of:
 executing a read request and outputting a slice corresponding to the read request as the response; 
 executing a write request and outputting a corresponding write response; and 
 executing a modify request and outputting a corresponding modify response.